Offered is a seven-star parade flag with an overprint. Typically seven-star flags were made with southern sympathies to commemorate the first wave of states that seceded from the Union, beginning in 1861. The first wave included Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. A second wave included Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia, and it completed the final grouping of the Confederate States of America. Not only did Southerners wave seven-star parade flags, they also occasionally waved eight-star and nine-star versions, though with much less frequency. They, too, celebrated the initial wave of states seceding from the union.

This seven-star flag does not, however, appear to be of the variety that is sympathetic to the South. Rather, this one includes an overprint for “Parker Academy,” which is likely a reference to a Northern school. Parker Academy was located in New Richmond, Ohio, and was founded in 1839. Parker Academy was the first school in the US to offer fully integrated class rooms, regardless of race, religion, and gender. The Parkers were dedicated to providing a liberal arts education as a catalyst for equality, and were a beacon of tolerance. Many of the students who attended Parker Academy went on to serve in the Civil War and, more particularly, in Colored Regiments. Parker Academy, or also referred to as Clermont Academy, operated until 1889.

Overprints are virtually unheard of on seven-star parade flags. We are aware of only one other style of seven-star parade flags with an overprint. The other style includes an overprint for “F.S. Emmert,” which may be a reference to a Southern merchant.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton rag board. The flag is positioned behind a UV resistant acrylic, and spaced apart therefrom using spacers.

Frame: The frame is an antique frame with a gold liner, dating to between 1860 and 1890.

Condition Report: This flag is in excellent condition with extremely bright colors.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors Date of Origin: 1880Number of Stars: 7